Friday Guest Blog Interview: Centsational Girl!

Have you visited Centsational Girl?I’m head-over-heels for this thifty DIY blog that shares project on renovating, revamping and refurbishing in the most budget-friendly way.

Kate puts it best: “I’m a simple gal with a simple dream: transforming the drab into the fab with an arsenal of paintbrushes, primer and power tools. I’m in pursuit of diamond style on a dime, and I refuse to believe quality must always be expensive.”

And her home is beautiful! You would never know that this district attorney-turned-mommy blogger created these fabulous spaces with so many wonderful DIY projects. Take her living room, for example – I would have guessed a photo shoot from one of my favorite home decor magazines:

{Swoon} and then some. Kate calls Northern California home (that’s my kind of girl) and spends time raising her three children after having left her law practice behind. “This site is where I share my adventures in DIY projects, interior decorating, and home improvement. My passion is finding hidden potential in the most tired of objects. I adore rescuing a dated piece and revamping it with a fresh new look.”

For Kate’s answers to PDB’s four quick q’s (plus a photo gallery of her inspiration, a few of her home projects and more) follow the jump.

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{PDB Interview with Kate of Centsational Girl}

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What inspires your design style?

I’m inspired by anything botanical and I’m always seeking to bring the outdoors in. I decorate a lot with branches, natural elements, and fresh flowers. I love the colors in sea glass – they were the inspiration for my latest laundry room makeover. I adore any colors of sea, sky, sand, and even dirt, but also appreciate the oranges and purples of a vivid sunset, or the pearlescent interior of an abalone shell.

I also tend to lean towards classic or traditional designs instead of contemporary or minimalist spaces. I’ve been lucky enought to travel through Europe so much of my own style tends to reflect a love of that old world style. I’ve declared myself a Francophile on several occasions, and someday dream of renting a Parisian apartment, if only for a week. Here’s to wishful thinking.

What do you love most about what you do?

For years I worked in the legal field, but it left me empty and because I felt there was no room to express myself beyond crafting legal arguments. I decided to follow my passion and start a blog about home improvement and interior decorating. What I love about dipping my toe into the design world is the ability to express my own individuality and creativity. While many designers cater only to the wealthy, I love to see savvy designers make their creations inexpensive and available to everyone, like Vera Wang for Kohls or Liberty of London for Target.

What are your favorite design trends?

One of my favorite design trends is the fact that everywhere you look it seems so many designers reinventing old things into modern useful purposes, rather than instantly choosing to buy something new. Thrifting and upcycling are so in vogue, and I absolutely love that! Vintage treasures have history and personality. It’s nice to see a mix of antiques and modern pieces in any space.

I’m also happy that graphic prints and exotic textiles finally appearing in mainstream design and even popping up at big box stores.

What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?

{1.} Little touches make a big difference. Just a little investment in your room can make a big impact. A $3 dollar can of spray paint can transform a chandelier, lamp, or chair. Inexpensive picture frame molding tacked to a wall adds so much architectural interest. A new coat of paint transforms anything, from your bathroom cabinets to your family room walls. Flowers and new throw pillows in modern fabrics and colors always freshen a space instantly.

{2.} Stay true to your needs. I think it’s important to be honest about the primary purpose of your room. Spaces should be comfortable, stylish and functional at the same time, and most importantly work for your lifestyle. Many people have no use for a formal dining room, so why not turn it into a playroom for your children or a library/office combo? Make your spaces work for your lifestyle, even if that means carving out an reading corner with a bookshelf in the corner of your family room or making your guest room do double duty as sewing room. I don’t believe anyone should ever have a space just for show. What’s the point of that? Homes are meant to be lived in.

{3.} It’s OK not to follow trends. Don’t care for animal print? Skip the zebra rug on your floor. Not into the deer heads on the wall ? Hang what you love instead. Geometric prints not your style? Opt for stripes or modern florals. Make your home a reflection of your own personality, who cares what’s all the rage in the latest shelter magazines !!

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If you loved this interview, check out more great spotlights {and tips & tricks!} from fantastic bloggers!

Comments

I love reading Centsational Girl. I first found her through looking for a tutorial on making my own Roman shade and haven’t stopped reading since. I also met her at the Petaluma antique fair — even though we lost each other in the awesome booths — and she is just as awesome in person as online.

Welcome to my little slice of the web where I practice finding family, career, homemade & inspired balance on a daily basis. This is where I capture my happy moments, and I'm honored that you're here to join us. Home + creativity + good eats + journaling + life as a working mom. Read more...

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Welcome to my little slice of the web where I practice finding family, career, homemade & inspired balance on a daily basis. This is where I capture my happy moments, and I'm honored that you're here to join us. Home + creativity + good eats + journaling. Read More…